Reading Fanatic Reviews
All Kindle Unlimited ReviewsNOTE: These books were in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program at the time that I posted the reviews. They may not still be in the program, as authors can opt out every 3 months. If you find a book that is no longer in the program, don’t hesitate to contact me, and I will update the review.
His Sweet Hellion by Tarah Scott
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His Sweet Hellion*
Anges Vengeurs
This is a relatively short novella, but my, what a story! Emma and Rhys are such well-drawn characters. The author evokes so much sympathy for both of them. They had been through so much before they met, and the drama only increased afterward. Rhys is haunted by the fact that he was the only surviving member of his unit at a terrible battle. Though his superior officer was the one who fled the battlefield on that fateful day, that man has labeled Rhys the deserter and coward. Emma has lost her father and only finds out about her brother’s death on that battlefield in the opening scene of the book. They both had lost so much in different ways, yet they both have strength, resilience, and compassion. If you like historical Scottish romance, this lovely little novella brings all the feels and may be right up your alley.
A Scoundrel’s Promise by Tarah Scott and Erin Rye
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A Scoundrel's Promise*
Not a Scoundrel, Just a War-weary Second Son
I don’t see the hero as truly a scoundrel. Sometimes these historical romances are titled in ways the author/publisher believe will attract readers rather than actually reflecting the book. This is unfortunate because this novel is actually a lovely little romance; there’s no need for title prevarication. I quite enjoyed the heroine. She is a mischievous, fun-loving young woman who can be serious and brave when she wants or needs to be. I loved the hero; I’ll admit to a soft spot for the wounded warrior returning home. He appreciates the heroine’s nature but doesn’t feel worthy of her because he can’t give her what she thinks she deserves. I thought the book ended abruptly; I would have loved to see more beyond this scene. The last 15% of the book is a tease for the next book of the series. There were some issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. I don’t think the book was copyedited because of some inconsistencies with these. However, I did enjoy this story.
Ballad of Discord by Tarah Scott and Summer Hanford
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Ballad of Discord*
Political Intrigue, Personal Tragedy, and Romance in the Scottish Highlands
Elizabeth, her sister, and her close-in-age aunt are living a peacefully idyllic life in the Scottish Highlands. A Frenchman upends their world when he convinces their father into a crazy scheme to fight for the crown of Great Britain as a Jacobite descendant. While this story has romance as a key element, much of the plot has to do with this political intrigue, and the hero and heroine staying one step ahead of those who would do them, and Scotland, harm. The book is quite unusual, actually, but it is quite a page-turner because of all that is going on. At times, I didn’t like how the hero and heroine mistrusted or treated each other, but in all, I did enjoy the book. The authors have created three intriguing heroines; the next two novels of the series will feature them, I imagine. The story is fascinating, and I’m looking forward to reading more about what happens to this intrepid family of Scottish women.
Two Deals by Nikki Kardnov
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Two Deals*
Unexpected Twists in Paranormal Story
I had read the first book in this series, Three Wishes, and thought the author had done an excellent job creating a complex world of humans and paranormals. The first book looked at the oldest Blackwell djinn brother, and this one looks at the next in line, Poe. I had found Poe to be an interesting character in the first book, so I was interested to read more of his story. The author did not disappoint. Again, she has woven a complicated the tale with familial bonds, demons, kidnapping, and romance with some steam! Poe at first seemed so self-centered, but beneath his “I don’t need anyone” exterior beats the heart of one who truly desires his caeli match, which in this world means essentially his fated life partner who will extend his powers. The chemistry between Poe and Willa sizzles off the page. Another excellent book in this series, and I look forward to Thorin’s story.
Prisoners of Scythia box set by Lisa Daniels
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Prisoners of Scythia box set*
Imprisoned Shifters and Their Mates
I have read several types of stories by Lisa Daniels, and I enjoy her writing style. She has a way of drawing you into a story and making you feel for the characters right away. There’s always some level of suspense as well as romance, of course. So when I saw this box set available at one of my favorite book review sites, I was quick to snap it up. I’m happy to say that Ms. Daniels has yet again written a delightful set of stories. She’s also managed to touch upon some deeper themes that we rarely see in shifter romance. To me, one of the biggest surprises is that it isn’t only the ones who are behind bars who are imprisoned in this story. Indeed, the title of the box set can apply to quite a few characters. The women as well are imprisoned in each their own way—one a servant, one a lowly bastard, and one a princess who is being held captive by her father until a particular event happens. Ms. Daniels is not heavy-handed with this theme of imprisonment—showing it through the characters’ lives, actions, and reactions—but it certainly got me thinking about the topic as I kept turning the pages. Other themes that seem to be a part of this include prejudice and nationalistic fear, as evidenced by what happened to the shifters. Each of these stories had such a lovely and heartfelt relationship at its core. Again, Ms. Daniels writes these kinds of relationships in such a compelling way. I root for the hero and heroine, not just for the romance, but for the external situations that they are in as well. The last book definitely had a twist and a surprise; I love that as a reader! Another well-done series by an author who knows how to deliver on character, plot, suspense, and romance.
Cabin Fever by Annabelle Acosta
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Cabin Fever*
Different Spin on Common Trope
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I find myself very surprised by it. I read a lot, and I don’t get surprised often. I read a lot of romance and thrillers, so I’m accustomed to the “stuck in the cabin with someone” trope. Several things make this book unique. For one, the heroine—who is the viewpoint character—has a strongly defined character and voice. The author has pulled off a very deep viewpoint here. She is at turns quite a funny—not that she would say that herself—and sometimes serious. Rather, she, especially at the beginning, is so self-absorbed and judgmental that it is just simply fun to read what is going on in her head. Jake is right when he nicknames her “Princess.” The two men in this book, Jake and Chase, are as different as they can be in just about every way. The heroine learns and grows over this story; I love that in a book—there was a lot of room for improvement! There’s a big twist at the end I didn’t foresee, changing the book into something wholly different from I thought it was. There are also a few more little surprises at the end. In all, this book was a real treat because it was such a fun and different ride. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Siren Song by Alexandria Clarke
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Siren Song*
Paranormal Adventures
This is actually three novellas in one book, all following the paranormal adventures of Bay and Nicco. They are great characters, and in these three novellas, they have to deal with Sirens, an evil beauty contestant, and an incubus! Each book is relatively short, which doesn’t give a lot of time for each story to develop, though the author does manage to get in a few a fun twist and turns. But what is written is well done and engaging. The author has created a fascinating world for these characters, both the “Witch Myth” universe and these particular looks at it.
Her Warrior by Alice Wilde
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Her Warrior*
Saga Continues in China
This book continues where the previous one left off, and thank goodness after what happened at the end of that one! I found myself enjoying this book because I really like Li’s point of view. This book takes place in his world, as they seek an alliance with the Chinese. Because we’re so far on this series, I’m afraid to say too much, potentially giving spoilers if you haven’t read the previous books. This series does definitely need to be read in order to really understand the full arc, and one book does truly follow from the previous one. The relationships between the heroine and her shifters have gotten more complicated, and we’re down one guardian. The heroine continues to mature beyond that rather annoying teenager from the first book, I’m happy to say. If you have enjoyed the previous books in this series, you won’t want to miss this one.
Kerning to Crime by Jessa Archer
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Kerning to Crime*
I Love This Series
Jamie Lang, amateur sleuth and hand letterer, gets mixed up in another crime, witnessing an unknown woman dying on the street in the arms of a man. At first, they first thought she was having an allergic reaction, but when an Epi-Pen doesn’t help, something more sinister must have been at work. I enjoyed this book, as I have the other books in this series. I liked the way this book started, with a little look at Jamie’s hand lettering vlog. Nice to see a mention, too, of Hot Hugh, a YouTube hand letterer and Jamie’s friendly rival. How did she get mixed up with so many good-looking guys? Hot Hugh, law enforcement in town, and Kit–the man with the dying woman in his arms and the natural first suspect. This book, like all this author’s books, has a good balance between the quirky characters needed in a cozy mystery and the actual suspenseful mystery aspects; this is not easy to achieve, as I see most authors tending to go either one way or the other without striking the balance. A great read that had me turning the pages.
In the Nib of Time by Jessa Archer
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In the Nib of Time*
Murder of a Master Letterer
I am so enjoying this series! And not just because the heroine, amateur sleuth Jamie Lang and I share the same first name! I love the hand lettering aspects of it, as I am a calligrapher myself. (I find myself wondering if the author herself has a love of lettering, because two series of hers now have had to do with it in some way, this one on hand lettering and another on typography.) I love how Jamie notices details, like a woman in her profession would. In this book, the author strikes the perfect balance between cozy and mystery. What do I mean by that? Some cozy mysteries put too much emphasis on the interesting characters or community, and the mystery lags (or is too obviously solved). Others have the opposite problem. Ms. Archer strikes the perfect balance between the two. I love the story. What a method of murder in general, and in particular for such a master lettering craftsman as the victim. I also enjoy a mystery with a lot of potential suspects, and this one had plenty. The book pulled me right into the story’s world, and I loved watching the details unfold. Another excellent book in this series.
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